Historical Elevator Izmir

The Izmir Karatas region was used as a quarry for decades thus a cliff has formed and separated the street Mithatpasa and Halil Rifat Pasa from each other. Since the historical elevator was built, 155 steps stairway was provided the transportation between to district, named as Karataş Stairway or Devidasların Stairway.

 

According to the story one-day, father Devidas who was living at the top of the stairs with his family fell on the stairs and broke his leg. Thus Nesim Levi Bayraklioglu who was living at the bottom of the stairs had decided to build this elevator.

The elevator was built in 1907 with bricks brought from Marseille and until was sold in 1942, its revenue was covering the expenses of the Karataş Jewish Hospital.

 

Today you can reach the historical elevator from Dario Moreno (official name, in public Elevator Dead End Street) street and can watch the city from the observation terrace at the top.